About Organic Food
At Wholefoods House we believe that organic food is simply food, the way it should be. That’s why all of our fresh produce and most of our grocery products are certified organic or biodynamic.
If you would like to learn more about the products on our shelves and how to use them nutritionist Emma Sgourakis- aka The Nutrition Coach- is a great teacher, and comes highly recommended by us!
What is organic farming?
Organic farming is a system of agriculture intended to naturally balance healthy productivity with low vulnerability to environmental problems.
Unlike intensive conventional farming, which focusses on short-term efficiency and economical profit by eliminating biodiversity and introducing pollutants (herbicides, insecticides and synthetic fertilisers) to control output, organic farming employs environmentally friendly techniques such as crop rotation, biological pest control and natural methods of fertilisation (like manure and compost).
Organic farming supports the longevity of natural biological systems by prioritising the conservation of quality farming land and its surrounding environs for generations to come.
What is biodynamic farming?
Biodynamic farming is a system of organic farming whereby the soil is supplemented with special herbal and mineral composts and sprays and planting accords with lunar cycles.
Originating from the theories of Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century, biodynamics is thought of as an enhanced form of organic farming.
Why is organic the best choice?
Buying organic is an investment in taste, health and the environment, which is why it tends to cost a bit more.
Taste
Because organic food is grown naturally and seasonably it tastes the way that food should taste… delicious! No more chalky, tasteless tomatoes or hyper-shiny / sponge-y textured apples.
Health
Organic food contains more vitamins and minerals than conventionally produced food simply because the plants, soil and animals it is produced from are healthier and happier. There is no risk of exposure to chemical residues, artificial additives or genetically modified ingredients when you buy organic food: all are banned. On the farm front you can rest assured that farmers are not risking their lives through exposure to toxic substances to produce your food. From field to mouth- for farmer, animal and consumer- organic is the healthiest option.
The environment
Organic farming works with the natural environment to produce food instead of depleting plants with pollutants (which then contaminate soil and waterways) and eliminating biodiversity for the dominion of one (profitable) crop. The farm is seen a biodiverse, self-contained eco-system: the idea is that a vigourous and vital system of farming will cultivate plants which are naturally better able to resist insects, weeds and disease.
How can I be certain that what I’m buying is actually organic?
The only way to be certain you are buying organic products if you aren’t dealing directly with the producer is to buy certified organic products. The seven government accredited certifying organisations in Australia are The Biological Farmers of Australia (B.F.A), The National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia (N.A.S.A.A.), Bio-Dynamic Research Institute (Demeter), The Organic Food Chain, Organic Growers of Australia, Safe Food Production Queensland and Tasmanian Organic-Dynamic Producers.
